When I first went to Maine, in 2008, I visited the beautiful seaside town of Kennebunkport. It was a lovely experience, filled with delicious food, fireworks (for July 4, when I naturalized), and a scenic drive back home.
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Welcome to Kennebunkport! Top Things To Do
Because Tom’s parents built a family vacation house in Maine, we have spent a lot of time there. Let me share Kennebunkport’s best-kept, off the beaten path secrets with you.
1. Great Views and Good Food at Cape Porpoise
If you want to see a working harbor with lobster boats coming in and out, and quintessential Maine scenery, go visit Cape Porpoise. Besides being a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset, you can see Goat Island lighthouse and enjoy good food.
When the tide is out, you can see many wading birds, while common eiders (diving ducks) tend to hang around at high tide. So it is a great place to watch birds at any time. Check Cape Porpoise tides here.
On Cape Porpoise, there are a few restaurants to choose from. Our favorite used to be The Ramp which recently has been rebranded to Casa Seventy Seven Osteria. We haven’t eaten there yet, but we can vow for the Cape Porpoise Chowder House. Food is simple but tasty and you can’t beat the wonderful view over the water.
2. Meditative Walk at St Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery
Did you know that there is an active monastery in Kennebunkport? Not only can you go to Mass, but in addition, they have wonderful and easy walking trails.
Experience the enchantment of birding and soak in the breathtaking harbor views. But that’s not all – take a leisurely stroll along the trail and feel connected with the monks who have walked these paths for generations.
There are statues and flowers scattered around, perfect for self-reflection and photo opportunities.
If you are really interested in this monastery, you even could stay at their guest house and explore Kennebunkport from there.
3. Goose Rocks Beach: Home of the Piping Plovers
Imagine a pristine beach, stretching out into the horizon, overlooking a small island and a seemingly endless ocean. You have arrived in paradise on Goose Rocks Beach! While gulls make their loud and ubiquitous presence known, tiny wading birds (piping plovers) dart into the waves to find their breakfast.
If you want to discover the absolute best things to do in Kennebunkport, get ready to visit this beach and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Goose Rocks beach is a true family-friendly gem, where the gentle waves and safe swimming conditions will ensure endless fun for everyone. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a snack at The Goose Rocks Beach General Store, conveniently located just a short stroll away.
At night, we like to sit on the porch of The Tides Beach Club (formerly known as The Tides Inn), looking out over the Atlantic. Sipping a classic cocktail and nibbling on a small plate of sticky shrimp, life is good.
4. Watch Whales. Or Lobsters.
Who hasn’t wondered about ocean life and whales? This is your chance to learn more, by taking a trip with First Chance Whale Watch. Over the years we have joined them several times and it always is a joy to be out on the ocean.
You can join a tour that lasts for a few hours and takes you to Jeffreys Ledge, a popular spot for whales along the New England coast. If you’re lucky, you might witness an exciting feeding frenzy like the one recently observed on Stellwagen Bank.
Of course, whale watching is unpredictable, and you might not always see whales. If you don’t see any, First Chance will give you a rain check for a future trip. Even without whales, you might spot dolphins, porpoises, turtles, sunfish, and lots of birds like gannets.
If you’re not up for a long four-hour journey, check out First Chance for a cool lobster tour. You’ll get to see how Maine lobsters are caught while enjoying the beautiful views of Kennebunkport from the water. And who knows, you might even spot some adorable seals along the way!
5. Enjoy Nature with Rachel Carson
Rachel Carson was a famous scientist and writer who cared deeply about the environment. Her book, “Silent Spring,” showed the negative effects of pesticides and inspired people to protect nature.
The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1966 to protect salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. It spans 50 miles of Maine’s coastline and provides a sanctuary for unique plant and animal species.
Two of their hiking trails are in or close to Kennebunkport: the Carson trail at the refuge headquarters and the Timber Point Trail. The Carson trail is more in the woods, while Timber Point gets you to the ocean at Goose Rocks Beach. Both trails are worth a visit!
6. East Point Sanctuary
In Biddeford Pool, we recommend the East Point Sanctuary, an Audubon wild life refuge. In addition to a very rocky beach right next to the road, you can follow an easy walking trail offering breath taking views over the ocean.
Both spots have excellent ocean viewing and birding opportunities. Many people believe that this is one of the best places in Maine to go birding. And it is right next to Kennebunkport!
What I like about the trail is that it is very flat and easy to navigate but the views are amazing. There are places along the trail where you can go down to a rocky beach, one even with a set of stairs, so it’s doable even for less stable people, like yours truly. It is wheelchair accessible, although the first part of the trail is kind of rocky.
On this trail where we first discovered common eiders, a spectacular diving duck. Now that we recognize them, we almost always spot them when we are visiting.
Best Places to Eat around Kennebunkport
Since all that exploring Kennebunkport will make you hungry, I am sharing two of our favorite restaurants. Of course, there are many more, but we seem to come back to these over and over.
The Boathouse Restaurant
Good food, regular happy hours and an intimate view over the Kennebunkport harbor. Eating at the Boathouse is always a pleasure!
When you go, check to see what their current happy hour times are, since that is the best time to get good deals.
The Tides Inn Beach Club
As mentioned before, the Tides Inn Beach Club in Kennebunkport is a perfect place for a magnificent meal.
Conclusion: Top Things to Do in Kennebunkport ME
As you can see, there are many off-the-beaten path things to do close to Kennebunkport in Maine. I feel very lucky that we get to spend time in the beautiful place. Have you been to Kennebunkport? What are your favorite things to do there?
Other Fun Things to Do in New England
- Wickedly Awesome Whale Watching at Cape Cod!
- Raptors and Spiders in Vermont: a treetop walk;
- Kennebunkport, Maine: Insider tips for an Incredible Visit;
- Visit the house of Franklin Pierce in New Hampshire, the 14th President of the USA;
- Travel to Vermont during Covid-19.
- Where to find the best fall foliage in New England;
- Visit the Maine State House in Augusta
- Or Live Free or Die at the New Hampshire State House;
- Explore the Vermont State House in Montpelier;
- Boston has two state houses! The Old State House and the current Massachusetts’s capitol.
Kennebunkport, Maine. Insider Tips For An Incredible Visit
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